Midlands Profiles
Bobbitt Design Build
Have you seen Bobbitt Design Build signs around Columbia over the past few years? Utilizing a technique that dates back to the master builders of yesteryear (design build), Bobbitt has built religious, medical, office, flex, retail, and community buildings across the Carolinas. They are a 60 year old company with offices in Raleigh and Columbia and a growing reputation as one of the largest general contractors in the Carolinas specializing in the design build process.
Design build offers a userfriendly, single-source party to help owners every step of the way with their commercial construction projects - from site selection, to design and construction, to handing over the keys on your new building.
Design Build has key advantages over methods of construction where an owner contracts with separate design and construction companies. It reduces construction time by 1/3 or more on a typical project. Companies cannot afford to be tied up in a lengthy construction project.
Also, with one point of contact throughout the process, it's easier to communicate. "The most valuable aspect of the design build process is access to critical pricing
information at every step of the process," says Vic Englert, President of the Columbia office. "This helps our clients stay within their budget." For many business owners, one of the key decisions is whether to build new or to renovate an existing space.
"Our team assists the customer to make smart investment decisions that will be in his or her long-term best interest," says Englert. "In many instances, renovating an existing building in a great location offers a better alternative to building new."
Owners are also asking questions about how to incorporate more environmentally friendly aspects into their buildings and green design is also increasingly migrating directly into the county codes. Owners need a trusted partner who can answer questions about the latest technology in water conservation, light levels, temperature controls, energy efficiency, and the use of recycled materials etc. Green initiatives can push up construction costs, but if done right, can provide a good return on investment over the long-term. Bobbitt has been engaged in green or LEED® (Leadership in Environmental and Economic Design) certified projects throughout the Carolinas.
Steve Baird, Cliff Braithwaite, Vic Englert, Eric Vannier, Ben Wilson. ©Photo by Molly Harrell
Bobbitt is a company with a unique culture. The team that they have assembled in Columbia is friendly and accessible. They are an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) company so each employee has a vested interest in the success of the company. It is well managed and, a rarity for construction companies, debt-free.
What differentiates them also is that 75% of their business comes from repeat customers and referrals. That is why you see so many signs around town.
